Forward Gareth Hock has been removed from England's World Cup squad for "serious breaches of team discipline'', England Rugby League has confirmed in a statement.
Widnes Vikings enforcer Hock, who has been replaced in the hosts' squad by Brett Ferres, has enjoyed a controversial career to date.
The 30-year-old was due to join NRL side Parramatta next year before he reneged on a two-year deal to stay with his young family in England.
He tested positive to cocaine in 2009 and was handed a mandatory two year ban.
Earlier this year he was handed a four game Super League ban for making deliberate contact with a referee. It followed a similar incident in 2008.
